Title

Authors

Home Institution

North Carolina State University

Publication Date

Fall 2011

Program Name

Tanzania-Zanzibar: Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management

Abstract

Since Filipino researchers arrived in Zanzibar to determine the potential for cultivation of seaweed more than 20 years ago, the islands' coastal communities have relied on the resource as a main or alternative source of income. When the companies started investing at the industry’s onset, trained personnel offered farmers' education on proper farming techniques for Spinosum (Eucheuma denticulatum) and Cottonii (Kappaphycus spp.) by establishing demonstrative (demo) farms and holding seminars. Today, informal training involves experienced farmers teaching the newcomers their techniques. While demo farms remain in some villages, companies offer no extension services based on the belief that the farmers have mastered the skills, so further training is not needed. However, it is unknown if the effectiveness of the diffusion of knowledge from companies to farmers, especially new ones, has been enough to prepare farmers to deal with emerging environmental challenges threatening to destabilize the seaweed industry. On November 8th -28th , 2011 a series of interviews were conducted to assess the farmers' technical knowledge and perceptions of environmental challenges, and analyze the government's and companies' role and perspectives on farmer education in Muungoni and Jambiani, Unguja. Results suggest that extension services by stakeholders are needed in addition to the establishment of farmer cooperatives. Future research is required to assess the current situation and create site-specific solutions in other villages in Unguja and Pemba.